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Når hjertet får hjælp. En antropologisk undersøgelse af livet med hjerteimplantater.

Westergaard, Martin LU (2024) SANM05 20241
Social Anthropology
Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of cardiac implants, specifically pacemakers and ICDs, on
individuals' lives and the factors influencing this experience. Through interviews with 11
individuals living with these implants and observational research, the study highlights how
cardiac implants affect bodily awareness, self-perception and social relations. The findings
reveal that a life after the operation heightens bodily awareness, leading some to perceive the
implant as foreign, affecting their self-perception and emotional well-being. Conversely,
others view the implant as a necessary part of their body, minimizing its impact on their
self-identity. Additionally, the study underscores how cardiac implants influence daily life,
... (More)
This thesis explores the impact of cardiac implants, specifically pacemakers and ICDs, on
individuals' lives and the factors influencing this experience. Through interviews with 11
individuals living with these implants and observational research, the study highlights how
cardiac implants affect bodily awareness, self-perception and social relations. The findings
reveal that a life after the operation heightens bodily awareness, leading some to perceive the
implant as foreign, affecting their self-perception and emotional well-being. Conversely,
others view the implant as a necessary part of their body, minimizing its impact on their
self-identity. Additionally, the study underscores how cardiac implants influence daily life,
requiring adjustments in routines, work, and social life. Negotiations with healthcare
professionals for personalized implant adjustments create frustration among interviewees, as
they often feel their individual needs are not adequately met. Overall, the thesis highlights the
differences in how individuals adapt to living with cardiac implants. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Westergaard, Martin LU
supervisor
organization
course
SANM05 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Medical anthropology, social anthropology, cardiac implants
language
Danish
id
9175163
date added to LUP
2024-09-23 11:03:53
date last changed
2024-09-23 11:03:53
@misc{9175163,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the impact of cardiac implants, specifically pacemakers and ICDs, on
individuals' lives and the factors influencing this experience. Through interviews with 11
individuals living with these implants and observational research, the study highlights how
cardiac implants affect bodily awareness, self-perception and social relations. The findings
reveal that a life after the operation heightens bodily awareness, leading some to perceive the
implant as foreign, affecting their self-perception and emotional well-being. Conversely,
others view the implant as a necessary part of their body, minimizing its impact on their
self-identity. Additionally, the study underscores how cardiac implants influence daily life,
requiring adjustments in routines, work, and social life. Negotiations with healthcare
professionals for personalized implant adjustments create frustration among interviewees, as
they often feel their individual needs are not adequately met. Overall, the thesis highlights the
differences in how individuals adapt to living with cardiac implants.}},
  author       = {{Westergaard, Martin}},
  language     = {{dan}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Når hjertet får hjælp. En antropologisk undersøgelse af livet med hjerteimplantater.}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}